Diminutives

A lone Stranger- Part 2

Serhat could never term Noor as a good student but she was persistent. Despite failing to learn much of his language, she didn't give up. He liked her spirit. Moreover, she was never a nuisance but a cute distraction. A diversion that he badly needed.

Business here didn't need much of Serhat's attention. For generations, partners and their employees were handling it well. It was just a lame excuse to stay away from his home. He couldn't bear to spend time in a place where he was constantly tormented. He had to get away and lay low. It seems his family respected his decision to live in isolation and so far didn't disturb him. But he knew one day, he has face the truth of his life

"Serhat", Noor called out his name as soon as she entered his house. Not even her father or other elders have taken the liberty to casually take his first name. But Noor took it herself and he couldn't forbid her. She and Azaan were only people whom he could term as his friends. Noor's childish ways should have irritated him but he found himself amused. The disciplined Serhat found it difficult to rebuke her. He didn't know how or why but Noor was slowly growing into him.

"No studies today", Noor announced as soon as she entered his study. He shook his head in dismay. "Then why didn't you inform me earlier? I should have gone for my work", he was miffed. "Because I didn't want you to work", she sat near him, "I want to go out with you". "Not interested", he refuted her offer. "How long you will be cooped in this home and office? Let's get out", she proposed, "I want to show you my beautiful country".

As usual, Noor had her way with Serhat. He had to agree to go site seeing with her. Eventhough he didn't want to, he slowly started to enjoy his day. Perhaps it was good to get out once in a while. Noor was enthusiastic while showing around many beautiful places to him. He never knew when she grabbed his hand and led him ahead. When he noticed, their fingers were intertwined but he didn't release his hand. "Take me out for dinner", she asked him when it was late evening. Like a date, his mind tensed. As if reading his mind, she spoke, "It's a date". 

Noor was acting coyly and something snapped in him. "Noor, I think it is better you go home", he gestured his driver to bring his car. "But why?I though we were having a good time", she whined. "Because I....", he stopped himself not to utter something hurtful. Noor was a good girl. She was quick to jump to decision but she is a naïve young girl. He didn't want to hurt her feelings so he measured his reply carefully, "I can't stomach spicy food from restaurants. Besides, I am tired and want to rest", he pushed her into back seat of his car and sat beside the driver. "Drop Ms. Noor at her home", he ordered the driver.

"Where were you roaming till now?", Yasmin hissed at her daughter who came in late. "I was with Serhat", Noor replied happily. "Address him as Sir or Brother Serhat", she rebuked her daughter. "I won't. He is not my brother", Noor gave back in vigour. Yasmin's experienced eyes was able to see the changes in her daughter, "Noor, my dear child.  Your marriage with Azaan has been decided long back. Besides, he loves you dearly. Don't be foolish to throw it away for a stupid one sided crush". "It is not stupid or one sided. I love Serhat and he loves me too", she spoke vehemently to her mother. "Stupid Girl. He is just being polite", she retorted and added, "He is almost a decade older than you. Being the heir of a wealthy family, do you think he would be allowed to stay single for long? He would be married and probably with a few kids". Noor shook her head in denial and tears burst from her eyes, "I don't believe you. Beside even if it is true, I don't care". "You should care. Rather than wishing to be forsaken woman of an elder married man, try to become a dutiful wife for a good man", her mother scolded her vehemently.

For next few days, Serhat avoided Noor. He made excuses for being busy and refused to take Turkish classes. Even Noor's mother tried her best to refrain her from meeting Serhat. She was t discreet in her efforts, fearing the scandal spoiling her daughter's future. 

Serhat was inspecting horses in his stables when Noor appeared before him. "You love horses, don't you?", she spoke casually. He knew he had to converse with her. Morever, he too was missing her banter. "Are you here to learn riding?", he asked her. "Only if you are teaching", she smiled at him. Her witty words brought a smile to him but he refused, "I am not good with horses". "Then why do come here often", she was puzzled. "I don't have a particular liking to horses", he sighed, "But a big part of my childhood was spend in stables. Lot of memories". Something flashed in his eyes that she caught momentarily before he blinked it away. "I hope good memories", Noor probed. "Absolutely", he smiled sadly, "They are indeed precious".

Noor was dying to spend time with him. Her mother had kept her under tight watch and today she managed to sneak out in pretense of meeting Azaan. "I got you something", she lifted her food basket, "come let's sit and eat". In her enthusiasm, she failed to notice the Serhat has been trying to avoid her. "Noor, you shouldn't have", he tried to refute. "Please", she made puppy eyes, "I spent a lot of time to prepare Turkish dishes for you". He sighed as it was tough to deny her pleas. They sat and Noor served him the dishes. 

Serhat was elated by her efforts to make him feel special. "Do you like it?", Noor asked eagerly. He smiled, "They are fine. But I like the dishes that you usually prepare. They are authentic and tastier". "But not for your liking", she spoke softly. He noticed that Noor has changed her hair style and clothing to match to Turkish women. "You don't have to change yourself, Noor", he caressed her cheek, "I like you the way you are". She took a sharp breath.

Serhat didn't comprehend his effect on Noor .She was enamoured by his touch and loving words. His thumbs softly rubbed on her plum cheeks. She closed her eyes in submission while excitement spread through her body. She boldly moved forward and touched his lips. Her first kiss. She was savouring the moment but Serhat wasn't. He tried to withdraw but Noor pulled him by his neck, not allowing to end her blissful moment. "Noor!!", a high pitched voice torn them apart. Azaan was standing few feet away from them.

Shock, Torment, Disappointment , Anger....Myriads of emotions passed over Azaan face. But he quickly composed himself. They gazed at Azaan as he walked towards them slowly. His face was masked emotionlessly but Serhat could read the pain in his eyes. Those eyes reminded him of a broken heart. "Your Ammi is looking for you", he informed Noor plainly.

Serhat was taken aback that Noor didn't show any remorse of hurting Azaan. But then again who was he to judge. He knew too well that Noor is in a world of her own where she cared for none. But he felt ashamed to hurt Azaan. 

"Azaan, it is not what it appears to be", Serhat tried to explain but Azaan just smirked at him. "I am sorry, Friend. Trust me, I never wanted to hurt you", Serhat tried his best to convince Azaan but he still didn't speak. "Are you coming?", he asked Noor who still wanted to stay with Serhat. "Go with him", Serhat told Noor firmly.